Did sickness and scandal lead to Pope Benedict XVI’s retirement?

Tourists walk past pictures of Pope Benedict XVI displayed in a shop in Rome February 12, 2013.Pope Benedict stunned …It has only been a day since Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation as the head of the Catholic Church, setting a modern day precedent. Catholics can be forgiven for remaining a little stunned at the sudden announcement.

In his official statement, Benedict cited his advanced age and inability to carry out the physical requirements of his duties as his reason for stepping down. The 85-year-old is one year older than his predecessor Pope John Paul II was when he died in 2005.

There is no indication that there was more to the story than an old man looking to spend his twilight in peace. He suggested months ago that he would consider stepping down if the physical toll became too much.

First, it appears Pope Benedict XVI may have been in worse shape that previously known. The Vatican told the Associated Press that he has long had a pacemaker and the machine’s battery was replaced in secret a few months ago.

His brother, meantime, told the BBC that a doctor had told the pontiff not to take any transatlantic trips due to health concerns.

Second, there are ghosts of controversies and scandals surrounding the Vatican, which Benedict’s resignation could help assuage.

Pope Set to Move to Monastery, Get New TitleA Vatican spokesperson says Pope Benedict XVI will be moving to a monastery on the grounds of the Vatican when he resigns. He'll also get a new title once his resignation takes effect on February 28th. (Feb. 12)